Google has recently launched the first update for the KitKat OS, and brought Android up to version 4.4.1. Since version 4.4 hasn't been launched on a lot of smartphones, we should assume that it will take an even longer time for 4.4.1 to arrive. More so, if you own a smartphone that hasn't been launched this year, then chances are that you're not going to enjoy KitKat anytime soon.

Fortunately, in case you own a Samsung Galaxy S3 I9305 LTE, then you can now experience the latest Android 4.4.1 version, with the help of custom ROMs. This guide will show you how you can install the latest 4.4.1 OmniROM package on your SGS3 I9305, using either CWM or TWRP.

OmniROM is a custom ROM that is based on Android 4.4.1 AOSP, and while it contains "vanilla" features, it also comes with tweaks and new assets of its own, such as multi-window, UI improvements etc.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING

This guide is meant for the Samsung Galaxy S3 I9305 LTE. Do not try to apply this guide on any other smartphones or Galaxy S3 variants! Make sure that your smartphone is the right model. Go to "Settings" > "About device"

This guide requires you to have a rooted SGS3 I9305 running either the latest version of CWM, or the latest version of TWRP. Below, you will find instructions for both recovery methods.

Unless you run on an earlier version of OmniROM, you will need to factory reset your device. Create backups if necessary

Your contacts should be already backed up onto your Gmail account. Make sure they are before proceeding

In order for this method to work, you need to enable USB Debugging from the settings menu. To do so, go to "Settings" > "About device" and tap "Build number" until you get an on-screen message indicating that the "Developer options" menu has been enabled. Then, go to "Settings" > "Developer options" and mark the "USB Debugging" check box

Before proceeding, make sure that your smartphone has at least 60-70 battery life left

Don't skip any steps

This is an advanced guide that requires unofficial actions. If you brick / damage your phone, you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible

Booting in Recovery Mode (CWM or TWRP):

IMPORTANT: you should not follow this guide at this point. This is a small set of instructions that allows you to enter recovery mode on your Samsung Galaxy S3 I9305 LTE. You will need to refer to this guide a bit later.

NOTE: depending on which recovery image you're using, following these steps will boot your smartphone either in CWM or TWRP recovery.

Turn off your smartphone

Press and hold the "Home", "Volume Up" and "Power" buttons at the same time

You should now create a NANDROID backup, so that you can restore your current ROM should you want to do so. To create a backup, select "Backup" from the menu, select what you wish to backup, name your file and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button

Now, select "Wipe", go to "Advanced" and select "Wipe Cache" and "Dalvic cache" and the "Swipe to wipe"

After the wipe, select "Install" and browse for the 4.4.1 OmniROM zip file. This will flash the ROM onto your device

After the ROM has been flashed, select "Install" again and browse for the Google apps files

Once all the files have been flashed, go back to the recovery menu and select "Reboot". NOTE: this first reboot may take a while. Be patient and don't press any buttons

IMPORTANT: Whether you've used the CWM or TWRP method, if the first reboot after flashing the ROM takes more than 10 minutes, or if your device is stuck in a loop, then you need to start the guide over without skipping any steps

NOTE: In case you wish to return to your previous ROM, you can use the NANDROID backup in order to do so.